"I am so glad you invited the Gardiners and Lizzy to stay here at Pemberley!" Georgiana exclaimed the next morning as they broke their fast.
Darcy smiled indulgently, his sister's enthusiasm was contagious. Upon arriving home the day before, she had immediately called for Mrs. Reynolds, their longtime housekeeper, and discussed room assignments and menus. She then started planning activities for their guests with Mrs. Annesley.
"I am happy they will be coming as well," he replied. "Just please remember to ask about their plans for the day before making suggestions. They are staying here because they have no other options and are not counting on us to host and entertain them. I will make it clear to them that they are free to come and go as they wish."
She frowned but then her smile resumed and she nodded. "I understand, Brother, thank you."
"You are welcome to go along if they invite you on calls and excursions, as long as you take Mrs. Annesley." He trusted Miss Elizabeth, and Mrs. Gardiner was the daughter of one of his mother's friends, but he could not bear it if something else were to happen to his sister. Almost losing her to a planned elopement with George Wickham the previous summer had made him more aware of how precious his sister was to him—and how little time he had left with her before she entered society and married.
"What if Mrs. Annesley does not wish to go?"
"Then please ask her why, and if you disagree, come find me and I will make the final decision."
"You do not trust the Gardiners." She almost sounded like she was accusing him of withholding friendships from her.
"No, I do not know them well enough yet to make that judgement," he said honestly. "I like what I have seen so far, and I trust Miss Elizabeth. I will attempt to have a conversation with her and see what she thinks of the Gardiners. I believe she will be honest. As much as she loves her family she does not try to excuse their bad behaviour, but attempts to guide her sisters and redirect her mother."
Georgiana told him about her leave-taking with Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Elizabeth the day before, and how Mrs. Gardiner had been positively motherly. She then explained Miss Elizabeth's comments about not all mothers being the same.
Darcy nodded. "That fits with what I know of the Bennet family. Miss Elizabeth is her father's favourite, and I believe Miss Bennet and Miss Lydia are favoured by their mother. I am glad to hear Mrs. Gardiner will share her memories of Mother with you. I hope you will tell her stories to me as well."
"Of course I will!"
The rest of the day passed slowly for Georgiana and Darcy as they waited for their guests to arrive. Darcy finally abandoned all efforts to work and went to the library, selected a book, and pretended to read until he was notified a carriage was spotted on the drive.
He met his sister in the entry hall. "They are finally here!" She was all but dancing with excitement.
He laughed and put his arm around Georgiana's shoulders. Her head was now up to his shoulder. When did that happen? "Did you grow again?"
She giggled and hugged his side. "Yes, I had to let the hems of my gowns down. If I grow again, I will need new dresses earlier than the spring."
He smiled wryly. "I am sure you would detest shopping for new dresses."
Her modiste bills were reasonable according to his aunt, the Countess of Matlock, but why did his sister need all her dresses from London? His mother had ordered some of her clothes from the dressmaker in Lambton, he would need to talk to his sister to make sure she did the same. It would generate business and goodwill for the local town.
She just smiled and Reynolds, the butler, opened the double doors and they followed him outside. Two footmen hurried down the stairs. Darcy descended after them hoping to hand out Miss Elizabeth, no he needed to call her Miss Bennet.
The carriage step was let down and a Darcy footman opened the door. Mr. Gardiner got out first and handed out his wife. She took his arm and smirked at Darcy as he rushed to the carriage. He held out his hand and Miss Bennet's small hand, clad in a York tan glove, fitted into his larger one. She stepped down, wearing a green cloak and matching velvet bonnet that matched her fine eyes. He smiled broadly. "Welcome to Pemberley, Miss Bennet, and to you as well Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. Pemberley is even more magnificent than I remembered," Mrs. Gardiner said approvingly, admiring the three-story mansion glowing a pale yellow in the winter sun.
"What do you think of Pemberley, Miss Bennet?"
"I am delighted. I have never seen a place for which nature has done more." She looked around, taking in the frozen stream and reflecting pond fronting the house.
"I am looking forward to seeing more!"
"I am glad you approve," Mr. Darcy said simply. "Please, let us go inside." He offered Miss Bennet his arm and she took it lightly. They walked up the steps to where Georgiana was waiting with the Gardiners following.
"I am so happy to see you all again!" Georgiana exclaimed. "Come inside where it is warmer. Would you prefer refreshments first or to be shown to your chambers?"
"I would like to see my chambers," Mrs. Gardiner said. She looked pale and weary.
"I will accompany you, my dear," her husband volunteered. He stepped a little closer to his wife's side and whispered in her ear. She nodded in response to whatever he said.
"Lizzy, what is your preference?" Georgiana asked.
"I would like to see my chambers as well," she said with a smile.
"Mrs. Reynolds, our housekeeper, will show you to your chambers," Darcy said, waving at the older woman in a black dress, mob cap, and wearing a clanking chatelaine. She curtsied at his words. "Shall we meet for tea in an hour?"
"That sounds perfect, Mr. Darcy, thank you," Mrs. Gardiner said.
"Please, follow me." Mrs. Reynolds said. She and Georgiana led the Gardiners and Miss Bennet up the left side of the double staircase, leading to the west guest wing. He just hoped they approved of their rooms.
Lizzy walked through the door of the bedchamber she would occupy at Pemberley and gasped. It was easily twice as big as the master or mistress chambers at Longbourn, and this was just a guest chamber! The room was decorated in soft florals in blues, greens, and yellows. The room was painted a soft green. A generous sized, four poster, bed with green and yellow bedding, bed curtains, and pillows sat in the middle of the room, while matching curtains pooled at the four windows overlooking the gardens. A Turkish rug with the same colours was spread on the left side of the bed so one's toes would not get cold touching the wooden floor. In front of the fireplace a grouping of two blue wingback chairs, with rosewood side tables, and a matching chaise lounge invited one to curl up and read or have a confidential chat. A rosewood dressing table with a mirror sat on the wall opposite the fireplace and further down from it, a writing desk and chair completed the furnishings.
"Georgiana, this is easily the most exquisite room I have ever seen!"
Georgiana beamed. "Thank you, Lizzy. It was the last room my mother decorated before she passed away, and it is my favourite of the guest chambers. My brother is rather selective about who he lets stay here—so it has not seen much use."
Lizzy stared at her. What was the younger girl implying? Perhaps it was because of the expected match between Jane and Mr. Bingley? "I am honoured."
A maid came bustling in from another room. "Your dressing room and bathing room are through that door," Georgiana pointed. "This is Martha, she will be your maid while you are here at Pemberley. Martha, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire."
The maid dipped a curtsy. "I am pleased to meet you, miss. Your trunks just arrived. Would you tell me what you be wishing to wear so I can make sure it's ready?"
"Yes, thank you. Georgiana, are you going to change?" The girl shook her head. "Then I will wash my hands and face and tidy my hair, then perhaps you can give me a tour of a few of the rooms we are likely to use?" Lizzy was already wearing one of her new afternoon dresses in blue and felt she looked very well in it.
"Begging pardon, could you please tell me what dress you want for dinner so I can make sure it's ready for you, miss?" Martha added.
"Of course."
Georgiana was heading for the door. "I shall meet you downstairs in the blue drawing room, Lizzy. I am sure Martha can show you the way."
Lizzy nodded. "Very well, but you do not have to leave if you do not wish to."
The younger Darcy stopped walking. "Are you certain? I do not wish to impose on you."
Lizzy laughed. "I share a room with my older sister, Jane, at home, and I am the second of five sisters! I would enjoy the company."
"As you wish. What is it like having so many siblings?"
"Your water is ready, miss," Martha said.
Lizzy followed her into the dressing room and over to the basin where she washed her hands, face, and neck and dried herself on a length of towelling. "My brush is in my valise."
"I will bring it, miss."
Lizzy went back to the bedchamber and sat at the dressing table. Martha brought in the valise and handed it to Lizzy. She opened it and took out her brush, comb, and box of hairpins, arranging the various items on the surface of the table.
"May I assist you with your hair?" Martha asked.
"Thank you."
Georgiana brought over the chair from the writing table to be nearer. "I would have done that for you, Miss Darcy," Martha protested.
"I already did it. You were going to tell me what it's like having so many sisters?"
Lizzy laughed, watching in the mirror as Martha took down her curls. "Loud, frustrating, fun, and wonderful too. Jane and I are closest in age, and total opposite in temperaments, but she is my dearest friend as well as sister. She is beautiful, quiet, and serene—and always sees the best in people—while I am impertinent and laugh at others' follies and nonsense. I am also not beautiful."
"You are very handsome!" Georgiana protested.
Lizzy smiled, handsome did not equate to beauty. "I am attractive but Jane looks very much like you, the quintessential English rose—tall, blonde, blue-eyed and very beautiful."
Georgiana blushed. "Thank you. What of your other sisters?"
While Martha worked on her hair, Lizzy told Georgiana of Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. "Kitty and Lydia are seven and ten and five and ten, respectively. They are perhaps young to be out in society, but they enjoy dancing and having a good time." And drinking punch and flirting with officers but she did not need to always disparage her sisters, especially to a new friend. She was sure Mr. Darcy had already told his sister about his disapproval of the Bennet family.
"Having sisters sounds lovely," Georgiana said wistfully. "I only have my brother."
Lizzy grinned. "You may have any of my sisters except Jane."
Georgiana giggled. "Thank you, I appreciate your being willing to share them."
Martha had finished her hair. "There you go, Miss Bennet."
"Thank you, Martha, it looks lovely." She approved of the chignon with curls framing her face. She stood up from the dressing table. "Georgiana, would you help me choose a gown for dinner tonight?"
"Really?" Georgiana got up and eagerly followed Lizzy to the dressing room. A maid was just finishing hanging up the last of Lizzy's dresses.
"Thank you," Lizzy said.
"My pleasure, miss." She curtsied and then disappeared into the bedchamber.
"Annie is one of the upstairs maids and will be assisting Martha," Georgiana explained. Martha had followed them and opened the wardrobe containing Lizzy's dresses suitable for the evening. "Do you have a dress with pink or green?" The girl smiled shyly. "Perhaps we could wear the same colour to dinner tonight?"
Lizzy laughed. "Yes! What a wonderful idea." It was obvious Georgiana was craving a connection with other women on a familial level. She could be a pseudo sister on this visit, and Aunt Madeleine could be a mother figure—as long as Mr. Darcy allowed it.
They sorted through her dresses and decided on a white muslin with dark green ribbons. Georgiana said she had a white muslin dress with light green ribbons. They planned to wear matching ribbons in their hair and Georgiana would match Lizzy's hairstyle.
"We shall look very well together," Georgiana said happily. She hugged Lizzy. "I am so glad you came to Derbyshire and you are staying here at Pemberley!"
Lizzy returned the hug. "I am happy too." Georgiana was a darling and as long as Mr. Darcy was civil, she would be too, and not do anything to disgrace herself or the Gardiners. Perhaps she could also ask Georgiana about George Wickham. Something was not right with the things he had told her, she just hoped she could figure out the truth.
Darcy examined the drawing room while he waited for his sister and guests to arrive. He noted faded wallpaper patches, and worn spots on a few of the chairs, cushions, and settees. It was embarrassing for Pemberley to have such a room, but it was too late to do anything about it now. Why had no one spoken to him about freshening up the space or redecorating it?
Georgiana and Miss Elizabeth came in giggling. "Georgie, why have we not redecorated this room?" he blurted out.
"When Mrs. Reynolds asked you about it two years ago, you declared that since Mother decorated it right before she died, it should not be changed," she said calmly. "Perhaps we could discuss this later?"
He grimaced, she was correct; this was not the time or place for such a discussion, and it was very ill-mannered of him to bring up the topic in front of Miss Elizabeth. "Yes, of course. Miss Elizabeth, please forgive me for speaking out of turn. I hope your room is to your liking? Georgiana was very particular about giving you that room."
She smiled. "It is quite one of the most beautiful rooms I have seen, Mr. Darcy. All of Pemberley is magnificent."
"Thank you. I hope you will like the rest of it, and the garden paths are cleared if you wish to walk outside."
Miss Bennet laughed merrily, her eyes dancing. "I believe you were there when I walked three miles to visit my sister, sir, and heard myself described as an excellent walker."
He frowned. "I apologise that you heard the rudeness of Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. But please, be seated." Why had Georgiana not led her guest over to the grouping in front of the fireplace? It was the warmest spot in the room.
"Thank you." They seated themselves, Georgiana and Miss Elizabeth on a settee to the left of the fireplace, and he sat across from them in a single chair.
"As far as Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst are concerned, you are not responsible for their actions or inactions, Mr. Darcy—only your own for things and people that you find tolerable or intolerable," she said with that arch sweetness he loved.
She knew! She had heard his insult from the Meryton assembly. He flushed from mortification and shame. "Miss Bennet, please forgive me. I hope you know that I regret that comment, it is most certainly not true. I have long considered you one of the most handsome women of my acquaintance."
"Brother?" Georgiana sounded uneasy.
"I forgive you, Mr. Darcy, and please accept my apology for my impertinent remark just now," Miss Elizabeth asked.
"Thank you Miss Bennet and there is nothing to forgive," he said earnestly.
"May we begin again, Mr. Darcy?"
"I would like that more than anything Miss Bennet."
"Brother?" Georgiana said again.
"I shall tell you later, Georgie." He had confessed to his sister that his time in Meryton had not been his finest hour, but he had not been totally truthful with her as to how badly he misbehaved. He had been worried about being separated from his sister after the debacle with George Wickham the previous year, but that was no excuse for not acting the gentleman. His parents would not be proud of him. Wickham! He would have to find some way to warn Miss Bennet to not bring up that libertine to his sister.
"Lizzy, would you care to accompany me for a walk in the morning?" Georgiana offered. "There is a path around the lake that should be safe enough, as long as the weather does not change."
"I would like that above all things!" Miss Elizabeth declared.
"Miss Elizabeth, I must insist for your safety that if you are going any further than the gardens, you must be accompanied by one of us, a maid, or footman. It is for your safety since you do not know the grounds and the weather can change quickly."
She frowned. "Very well, Mr. Darcy. I accept that restriction because I would not wish anyone to worry. As you know, I walk the paths of my father's estate alone."
"This is not Meryton where you know every tree and rock."
"Do not forget the blades of grass and flowers," she added with a playful smirk.
"Or hills known that claim to be more than they are known as Oakham Mount."
"It is a fine mount, Mr. Darcy!" she defended the tallest prominence around Meryton.
He laughed. "You think that if it gives you comfort, Miss Bennet. Just wait until you see the Peaks!"
"Oh, I should love to! I do not believe that will be possible on this trip, but perhaps in the future I may be able to travel there."
"Mr. Bingley and his family often spend part of the summer here at Pemberley. I am sure your sister would like you to accompany her and be one of the party. We could make a tour of the peaks and perhaps the Lakes." Georgiana gasped with delight. He winked at his sister.
It was time to admit the inevitable. Although he had counselled his friend against returning to Netherfield, Bingley had not listened. He insisted that Miss Jane Bennet did have feelings for him, and he would court her, and win her hand in marriage, with or without the approval of Darcy and his family. The ensuing argument resulted in Bingley and his sisters not speaking, so the man had returned to Hertfordshire alone. Bingley was in love and would offer for the eldest Miss Bennet. He had said so in the letter announcing the Gardiners and Miss Elizabeth's travels to Derbyshire.
Miss Elizabeth beamed at him. "Thank you, Mr. Darcy, I would love that above all things." She looked at the case clock in the corner. "I wonder where my aunt and uncle could be? Perhaps they decided to have tea in their room?"
"We shall find out." Darcy went and rang the bell pull. When Reynolds answered a few minutes later, Darcy asked for the whereabouts of the Gardiners.
"They will be here momentarily," Reynold answered. "Tea and a cold collation will arrive shortly."
"Thank you, Reynolds."
"Lizzy, I cannot wait for you to see the Peaks and Lake Windermere! We own a cottage on the shores of the lake. Perhaps we could stay there next summer, Brother?" Her smile was bright and she was regaining the light of joy, instead of the sorrow that had so often marked her countenance since Ramsgate.
Darcy felt a stirring of gratitude that Miss Elizabeth was here at Pemberley. She was having the effect on his sister that he had imagined when he met the lady in Hertfordshire. "That is my intention, Georgiana." He smiled at her indulgently as she began chattering about her favourite places in the Peaks and Lake District to Lizzy.
The Gardiners arrived and apologised for their late arrival. "I was feeling a bit poorly and my husband did not wish to leave me. I apologise we did not send word of our delay," Mrs. Gardiner explained. "I just shared the news with Mr. Gardiner but I am with child."
Miss Elizabeth laughed delightedly. "I knew it!" She rushed over to her aunt and hugged her, and then her uncle. "This is wonderful news! When will the babe come?"
"Sometime in April or May I suspect," Mrs. Gardiner said smiling. Georgiana was the next to hug her while Darcy went to shake Mr. Gardiner's hand.
"Please, come sit near the fire, Mrs. Gardiner." He offered his arm, and she took it, and he led her to the seat closest to the cheerful blaze. She sat on the settee the girls had been occupying closest to the warmth and Mr. Gardiner was quick to sit beside her.
The girls and Darcy reseated themselves.
"If you care to rest, Mrs. Gardiner—with Mr. Gardiner to keep you company—we shall certainly understand," Darcy informed her.
"Thank you, but I am well. Perhaps I could have a word with your housekeeper later about the foods I need to avoid?"
"Of course." He was not sure what she meant but as a guest, and especially being with child, she would receive every attention and courtesy.
A knock. "Enter!"
Reynolds and two maids entered with trays, which he directed them to put on the sideboard.
He heard a gasp and Mrs. Gardiner fled the room. Mr. Gardiner murmured something that was probably excusing them and hurried after him.
"Reynolds, could you please ask someone to take some ginger tea and bread to my aunt's room?" Miss Elizabeth requested.
Reynolds beamed. "I shall have Mrs. Reynolds attend to Mrs. Gardiner directly."
Darcy waited until the food was laid out on the mahogany sideboard and then dismissed the servants. "Miss Bennet, would you care to enlighten me on what is wrong with Mrs. Gardiner—and why she needs to avoid certain foods? Oh and why did Reynolds look happy about her being ill?"
Miss Bennet laughed. "Let us get some food and I will explain."
They helped themselves to the cold meat, bread, biscuits, and fruit. Georgiana made the tea to their preferences. "When a woman is with child she can become bilious, certain smells or tastes may make her ill. I suspect it was the mutton. It is a dish my aunt does not care for, even when not carrying a child. Ginger tea, shortbread biscuits or plain bread, are known to help ladies when they do not feel well. I suspect Reynolds knew this and guessed why my aunt became ill. She wished to speak with Mrs. Reynolds to let her know what she is able to eat or not eat. I suspect if something makes her ill, and is planned for a meal, she will ask for a tray."
"No, there is no need for that. Once she speaks with Mrs Reynolds, we will work with our cook to plan menus that will not make Mrs. Gardiner unwell," Georgiana said.
Darcy nodded approvingly. "Please also see that there is ginger tea and biscuits, and anything else available to Mrs. Gardiner whenever she needs it."
"I shall, Fitzwilliam, you may count on me." His sister took a sip of her tea in the blue and gold Meissen china cup that had been his mother's favourite set.
"I know that, my dear." He smiled affectionately at his younger sister.
"Miss Bennet, would you care for a tour of the library after we finish tea?"
She beamed. "I would indeed, Mr. Darcy."
Talk became easier, and more lighthearted, as the three consumed their tea and food. Mr. Gardiner came back and apologised for the disruption.
"It is no imposition at all," Darcy assured him. His sister had already gone to ring the bell, and he nodded approvingly. She was learning to be a good hostess. "If there is anything we may do for the comfort of Mrs. Gardiner, or yourself, you need only ask and it shall be done."
"Thank you. She was not sick this way before we left London—and the doctor assured us she was able to travel—or we would never have made the trip." The poor man was looking rather helpless.
"We have a very good apothecary in Lambton, and there is a doctor in Derby. I am sure there is also a midwife nearby. Please just let me know what you wish and we shall call for one, or all to attend Mrs. Gardiner," Darcy said encouragingly.
"Thank you. Mrs. Reynolds is with my wife now and I was asked to come and convey her apologies—and appreciation—for all you have done and are doing."
"Think nothing of it. Please also assure Mrs. Gardiner that any of her friends or family are welcome to call upon her at any time. I am sure we could make a sitting room upstairs available for her use."
"They are in the gold suite, Fitzwilliam."
Darcy nodded. "There is a sitting room next door then." It was decorated by Lady Catherine and his mother before her death, and reflected the taste of his aunt. That was another room that would need to be redecorated.
"I shall make sure it is available for your use Mr. Gardiner."
"Thank you, Miss Darcy. You are a wonderful hostess," he praised her.
She flushed. "Thank you, sir."
A knock. "Come!" Darcy called.
Reynolds entered carrying a silver tray upon which rested a decanter of port and two glasses, followed by a maid carrying a fresh urn of hot water.
"Would you care for a drink, Mr. Gardiner?" Darcy asked.
"Yes. I thank you."
Reynolds served both men drinks and then left with the maid.
"Elizabeth, let me show you the music room, and when the gentlemen are done we can all visit the library?" Georgiana suggested.
"I like that plan. Uncle, I shall visit my aunt later once she has a chance to rest."
"Of course, thank you, Lizzy. I am sorry if this is not the holiday we planned."
"My wish for you both is for Aunt to get well and for the babe to be healthy. Nothing else matters," she protested taking a last bite of a chocolate biscuit.
"If you permit, Georgiana and I would be delighted to show Miss Elizabeth around the estate and sites nearby as the weather permits. I promise you we will keep her safe and not do anything dangerous. Mrs. Annesley and a groom or footman will accompany the ladies if I am not available."
"Thank you, sir, I would appreciate that." Mr. Gardiner raised his eyebrow. "She is Miss Bennet though."
"Of course, I will remember to call her that. I do apologise."
"You may call me Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy," she protested. "It is my name."
"Jane is not here so you will be addressed properly," Mr. Gardiner told his niece. He winked at her. "You better get used to it, I suspect Jane will be Mrs. Bingley soon!" They laughed together.
Georgiana served the men fresh cups of tea and then withdrew to the music room with Miss Bennet.
Darcy raised his glass, "A toast to your wife and future child, sir. May they both be hale and hearty for years to come!"
"I will drink to that, Mr. Darcy!" The men both sipped their brandy and then Mr. Gardiner asked about the fishing.
Darcy relaxed. This was something he could speak on with no effort, and hopefully, soon, they would reconvene with the ladies. He could not wait to see Elizabeth's reaction to the library.